Gun Found in 14-Year-Old's Backpack at Northwoods Middle School

North Charleston police say the student was charged with having a weapon on school property and minor in possession of a firearm.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

A loaded firearm was recovered from a 14-year-old student at Northwoods Middle School in North Charleston, South Carolina, according to the local police department. The student was taken into custody without incident and charged with having a weapon on school property and minor in possession of a firearm, before being released on a custodial promise to appear in court.

Why it matters

The discovery of a gun in a student's backpack at a middle school raises serious concerns about school safety and the accessibility of firearms to minors. This incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and effective security measures in schools to protect students and staff.

The details

According to the North Charleston Police Department, Northwoods Middle School administration and a School Resource Officer successfully recovered the loaded firearm from the student's backpack during a search conducted by the school. The police stated that there were no threats of violence at the time, and the search was carried out in accordance with the school's protocols.

  • The incident occurred on February 20, 2026.

The players

Northwoods Middle School

A middle school located in North Charleston, South Carolina.

North Charleston Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident at Northwoods Middle School.

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What’s next

The juvenile was released on a custodial promise to appear in court for all hearings related to the charges of having a weapon on school property and minor in possession of a firearm.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of maintaining strict security measures in schools and the need for continued efforts to address the issue of firearm accessibility among minors, in order to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff.